Almost all children are victims of crime

Almost all children are victims of crime

October 10, 2007 12:10 PM

The Howard League for Penal Reform have released figures, reported in the Guardian, showing that almost all, 95%, of 10-15 year olds are victims of crime. 72% were hit or kicked, more than half threatened with violence, almost a fifth have had things stolen outside of school, 11% have had money stolen and almost 10% have had a mobile phone taken. The Howard League survey also suggests that there is also a widespread fear of crime among young people.

The correct conclusion to take from this isn't that we need to send the police, sirens flaring, into schools. Instead, it's another reason why we need schools to be both free to properly impose discipline - for example with the freedom to exclude disruptive pupils - and answerable to parents who can insist that discipline be imposed by voting with their feet if a school isn't under control.

The Howard League for Penal Reform have released figures, reported in the Guardian, showing that almost all, 95%, of 10-15 year olds are victims of crime. 72% were hit or kicked, more than half threatened with violence, almost a fifth have had things stolen outside of school, 11% have had money stolen and almost 10% have had a mobile phone taken. The Howard League survey also suggests that there is also a widespread fear of crime among young people.

The correct conclusion to take from this isn't that we need to send the police, sirens flaring, into schools. Instead, it's another reason why we need schools to be both free to properly impose discipline - for example with the freedom to exclude disruptive pupils - and answerable to parents who can insist that discipline be imposed by voting with their feet if a school isn't under control.

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